Li Zhaoxing: Looking at China’s international status from the Shanghai World Expo
Now some foreigners say that China has “risen” and say that the upcoming World Expo in Shanghai is an example that can truly Record China's position in the world.
Regarding China's international status, I personally have never used the word "rise". According to Mr. Pan Mingyu, my Chinese language teacher when I was in middle school, the word "rise" seems to have a somewhat sudden and exclusive flavor. The obvious growth of China's strength is due to the united struggle of so many ordinary people and intellectuals under the leadership of the central government, and is gradually accumulated with bits and pieces of hard work and effort. It is a process of peaceful development, which comes naturally and is beneficial to other countries. Harmless, helpful and non-threatening.
To understand what China’s status is in the world, we must not only understand the international situation, but also understand what others think of us, and then grasp it objectively, no matter how much foreign countries “praise” or to the contrary. The Shanghai World Expo is a good opportunity to get to know yourself and others well. Every World Expo will showcase the latest achievements in science and technology, culture, and civilization of the times. To paraphrase an ancient saying, “take the World Expo as a lesson.” The theme of this World Expo is "Better City, Better Life". Taking neighboring Japan and India as examples, we can gain a deeper understanding of the rise in our comprehensive national strength and the existing gaps.
In October 2009, the Japanese economy experienced positive growth for the first time in 13 months. Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama calmly stated when meeting with the delegation from the China Friendship Association that “the increase is too small and is still very unstable.” There was a sense of worry in his words. To be honest, Japan's landmass is 1/26 of China's, and its population is less than 1/10 of ours. According to estimates by the International Monetary Fund research institute in 2008, Japan's GDP is 4.8 trillion U.S. dollars, while China's is 4.6 trillion U.S. dollars. , the gap is still large on a per capita basis.
It is particularly worth mentioning that we are currently advocating scientific development, and US President Obama has proposed the development of a green economy. Japan is even ahead of the United States in this regard, which is worth learning from. According to reports, cars designed and manufactured in Japan can cover an average of 20% more miles per liter of fuel than cars designed in the United States and other countries. The amount of fresh water used to make one ton of steel in Japan is about 1/3 of that in the United States. In addition, Japan was ranked as the country with the longest life expectancy in the world by the World Health Organization in 2008. The average life expectancy of people exceeds 82.5 years, and women reach over 85 years old. At present, my country's average life expectancy is 73 years, which is still far behind Japan's, although it has more than doubled compared with 1949.
The World Expo promotes technology and greenness. Domestically, Shanghai is quite advanced in energy conservation and emission reduction. For example, Shanghai requires that the design of new buildings in 2010 must be 50% energy-saving and 50% emission-reduction compared to 2005, otherwise construction cannot start; another example is that the Shanghai World Expo emphasizes greenness and low carbon. It is reported that the transportation in the park achieves zero carbon emissions, the total installed capacity of solar photovoltaic power generation reaches 4.5 megawatts, and it is the largest photovoltaic building grid-connected power generation system in Asia. The one-kilometer-long Expo axis is a low-carbon and environmentally friendly corridor. Countries have also given excellent answers in terms of low-carbon environmental protection, from which Shanghai and the whole country can directly benefit.
Let’s take a look at India, which is called one of the “BRIC countries” by public opinion. We should carefully observe the development of India. It is a developing country but has great potential. India has a relatively high level of educational development and is the first among developing countries to achieve a gross enrollment rate of college students of 17%. In addition, it promotes scientific and technological inventions and creations and has a relatively complete legal system for intellectual property protection. I heard that this World Expo will showcase more than 250 results of new technologies and new energy explorations. Do you also encounter intellectual property protection issues? We and India can learn from each other and learn from each other.
Many people hope that our diplomacy can be "stronger", but true "strongness" should be based on facts, reason, and equality. Never look at "strongness" emotionally. Everyone engaged in diplomatic activities is like a business card of the motherland. Based on the people-oriented concept, when we look at the world, we should look more at foreign countries, especially the advantages of developing countries and African countries. The Shanghai World Expo has a special fund of US$100 million to finance the participation of developing countries, benefiting 120 developing countries, which is "strong"; our earthquake relief in 2008 has enhanced the prestige of the party, government and military, which is a domestic issue of China's diplomacy This is true "strength" by the huge support it has received from the world; by bidding for and hosting the Shanghai World Expo, "China sees the world, and the world sees China", expands China's influence, and makes a wide range of equal, mutually beneficial and win-win partners. It is also a truly "strong" performance. In short, when we say that we are a developing country, it is true and sincere. We want to achieve sound and rapid development for the more than 1.3 billion Chinese people.
The strength of a country is inseparable from the daily labor and inventions of each citizen. No matter what profession we are in, we are all children in front of the motherland and students in front of knowledge. We must work together and firmly follow the path of peaceful, scientific and harmonious development. It is hoped that the Shanghai World Expo will become a new starting point for my country's development.
Just like the successful hosting of the Olympic Games for the first time, the Chinese people's dream of hosting the World Expo is about to come true. I remember that from the year I started bidding for the Shanghai World Expo, I considered myself a "voluntary propagandist" for the Shanghai World Expo. When I met with foreign friends, I almost always raced against time to talk about it.
This time I took the opportunity of research in Shanghai to visit the Expo construction site. I saw so many experts and workers working hard in the cold wind. I felt really grateful and admired them. Seeing that the project was progressing smoothly, I felt really sorry for Shanghai, the motherland, and the developing country. The country is happy for the cause of peace and development around the world. No matter in any sense, the Shanghai World Expo will be successful, outstanding and far-reaching.
Li Zhaoxing: Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the 11th National People's Congress, President of the Translators Association of China, Honorary President of the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs, and Member of the 16th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. Former Minister of Foreign Affairs (2003-April 2007). Known as a "poet diplomat", he is the author of a collection of poems and essays such as "Youth China". He has served as spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China's Ambassador to the United Nations, China's Ambassador to the United States, etc.
Preparations for the World Expo have entered a critical moment, at a time when the global financial crisis is raging. With the care of the Party Central Committee and the State Council and the support of the people across the country, the preparations for the World Expo have been proceeding steadily. In particular, the concept of opening up the World Expo has gathered strength and wisdom at home and abroad. In the bustling construction site of the Expo, in Shanghai where the whole city is mobilizing, in the Yangtze River Delta that is striving to welcome the radiation of the Expo, and in the whole of China that is enthusiastically participating...the world has seen an open and confident China. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Pei Xin
Following the "unparalleled" Beijing Olympics, dedicating a successful, exciting and unforgettable World Expo is the Chinese people's solemn commitment to the world!
Preparations for the World Expo have entered a critical moment, at a time when the global financial crisis is raging. With the care of the Party Central Committee and the State Council and the support of the people across the country, the preparations for the World Expo have been proceeding steadily. In particular, the concept of opening up the World Expo has gathered strength and wisdom at home and abroad. In the bustling construction site of the Expo, in Shanghai where the whole city is mobilizing, in the Yangtze River Delta that is striving to welcome the radiation of the Expo, and in the whole of China that is enthusiastically participating...the world has seen an open and confident China.
The unity of the people for the "Expo for All"
Every morning, in Caoyang Street, Putuo District, western Shanghai, a group of people wake up with the city. They wear armbands and go on duty in the community. Find safety hazards, check environmental sanitation, and persuade residents to change bad habits. They are composed of party members, building team leaders, and key residents. They have a beautiful name-"Lark".
Every Saturday afternoon, in Huamu Street, Pudong, not far from the Expo site, residents learn Arabic by themselves in preparation for the Expo. They studied hard and hoped to reach a level where they could communicate with guests from the Arab world during the Expo.
Every street, every building, and every taxi is branded with enthusiasm and responsibility for the Expo. In Quyang Street, Hongkou District, resident Meng Fansheng issued an initiative to the general public: "Each of us needs to establish this awareness: My words and deeds are related to the goals of the World Expo, and my every move is related to the image of the Chinese people. I want to contribute to Shanghai." Adding color to the Expo! ”…
They are all Expo volunteers. In the vast sea of ????people, they are as ordinary as a wave in the Huangpu River, but they are not a solid cornerstone in the preparations for the World Expo!
Since the Great Britain held the Industrial Exposition of All Nations in 1851, the World Expo has gone through a history of 159 years. For more than a century and a half, the World Expo has moved from Europe to North America, and then from North America to Asia, evolving into an "Olympic" feast in the world's economic, technological and cultural fields.
In the rolling tide of historical progress, whenever an emerging economic power rises on the world stage, the World Expo will also visit this country. World Expos held at critical moments in historical development not only fully demonstrate the host country's great achievements in economic, technological and cultural development, but also often announce that the world economic pattern has opened a new page.
The 1851 World Expo in London, England - opened the most glorious chapter of the "British Empire"
For Queen Victoria, one of the most outstanding monarchs in British history, May 1, 1851 It is an unforgettable day. On this day, the first World Expo (full name: London International Industrial Products Expo) kicked off in London.
When leading a procession of nine royal carriages to leave Buckingham Palace and head to Hyde Park for the opening ceremony, the Queen, who has seen a lot in her life, was also stunned by the grand scene of the World Expo. She wrote in her diary that day: "I feel extremely excited. What I see... is so magical, so vast, so brilliant, and so shocking."
Some historians believe that the London World Expo Officially kicking off the Victorian era in Britain, this World Expo is also the epitome of Britain's glorious and dreamy era. Behind the grand event lies the brilliant achievements that Britain has made in economic development and social changes since the first industrial revolution.
Driven by the huge productivity brought about by the Industrial Revolution, Britain was at the peak of history and the most powerful country in the world. About 25% of the world's population is nominally under the rule of Queen Victoria. The territory of the "British Empire" reaches 20% of the world's total land area. British territories are distributed in every time zone around the world.
The series of huge economic changes caused by the Industrial Revolution, especially the widespread use of machines and the progress of construction projects such as railways and steamships, directly promoted the explosive development of British industry in the mid-19th century. It ranks first in world industrial production and world trade.
At that time, Britain was truly the "world's factory", producing most of the industrial products needed by countries around the world. In terms of foreign trade, Britain and its colonies accounted for nearly a quarter of total world trade, almost equal to France, Germany, and the United States combined. The UK also ranks first in the world in terms of tonnage of merchant ships, approximately the sum of France, Germany, the United States, the Netherlands, and Russia.
The Industrial Revolution started in Britain gave birth to the first London World Expo in 1851. This World Expo fully witnessed the power and charm of Britain as the world's largest economic power at that time. The Expo showcases the latest achievements and comprehensive strength of Britain's economic, technological and cultural development.
The 1933 Chicago World's Fair in the United States - Witnessing the huge transition from the Great Depression to recovery
From 1851 to the present, the United States has hosted 14 World's Fairs, and the 1933 Chicago World's Fair (full name As the first World Expo to establish a theme, the Chicago World's Fair has written a unique chapter in the history of changes. It has witnessed the great transition of the United States and even the world's economy from the Great Depression to recovery.
In American history, 1933 was an important year. This year was the period when the U.S. economy was in the midst of the Great Depression. Since the New York stock market crashed in 1929, more than 5,500 banks have failed in the United States. Domestically, 15 million people are unemployed and the unemployment rate is as high as 25%.
In the same year, President Roosevelt was elected at the critical moment. In his inaugural speech, he proposed the popular saying: "The only thing we should fear is fear itself." During the year, major economic events in the United States occurred frequently. , the "Roosevelt New Deal" was introduced and the gold standard was abolished...
The many corporate pavilions and their civilizational achievements gathered at the Chicago World Expo played a positive role in enhancing Americans' confidence and getting out of the crisis. President Roosevelt said in his congratulatory letter for the World's Exposition: "(The World's Expo) is timely not only because it marks a century's achievement, but also because it is held at a time when mankind most needs to better understand each other."
Another important achievement in the history of the Chicago World's Fair is that it was the first world's fair to have a theme. Chicagoans hope to use "A Century of Progress" as the theme to showcase the glorious achievements of the city's 100th anniversary.
For the United States, the Chicago World's Fair was a testament to the country's leadership on the world stage. In the 1920s, the United States had already completed the Industrial Revolution and became the richest country in the world. The Chicago World Expo proved the United States' leading position in science and technology. This World Expo brilliantly embodies its motto - "Scientific Discovery, Industrial Application, Human Adaptation". The working oil refinery, electronically controlled tractors, toothpaste filling lines, and bread production lines were all moved to the site. The display of the Ford Motor Factory assembly line marked the beginning of cars entering ordinary people's homes, truly kicking off the "nation on wheels".
At the Chicago World Expo, most of the pavilions were temporary buildings that were demolished after the closing. This promoted the development of new building materials and the construction industry, such as inflatable lightweight buildings, plastic roof buildings, etc. These assumptions about future life have changed the way Americans live in the future and laid the foundation for the next round of economic prosperity in the United States.
The Chicago World Expo played a positive role in promoting the transformation of the U.S. economy from crisis to a new round of prosperity, accelerating the spread of "modernity" led by the United States around the world, and becoming one of the many events that will enable the United States to further develop in the future. One of the historical elements that integrates into and dominates the international order.
The 1970 Osaka World Expo in Japan—announcing Japan’s re-emergence after World War II
When the 1970 Osaka World Expo (full name Osaka World Exposition) was held, the whole country of Japan Shangxia has experienced rapid economic development in the 1950s and 1960s after the war. Within two decades, Japan had emerged from the ashes of World War II as an emerging world economic power, becoming the first Asian country to host a World Expo. At the Osaka World Expo, Japan fully demonstrated its great achievements in post-war development.
Historians believe that the 1970 Osaka World Expo, coupled with the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, announced Japan's re-emergence after the war. The Osaka World Expo, in particular, played a huge role in changing the "defeated mentality" of the Japanese people and promoting Japan's reintegration into the international community.
The Osaka World Expo was just when Japan created an economic development miracle. At that time, Japan had just become the world's second economic power after the United States. In order to host the Osaka World Expo, the Japanese government has invested heavily in public facilities. After the World Expo, the entire city of Osaka took on a completely new look.
The Osaka World Expo has deepened Japanese people’s understanding of overseas countries and promoted Japan’s internationalization process.
At that time, many Japanese people saw foreigners for the first time, and many Japanese even asked foreigners for autographs in the venue. In 1970, only six out of every 1,000 Japanese had traveled overseas, but by 2004, before the 2005 Aichi Expo, this number had risen to 132. From this point of view, the Osaka World Expo has had a huge impact on the Japanese people in terms of the concept of "internationalization."
At the time of the Osaka World Expo, Japan was in a period of transition from an agricultural society to an industrial society of mass production and consumption. People’s desire for consumption is strong and their demand for services is also strong. At that time, KFC's fried chicken was displayed at the World Expo. Through television broadcast and extremely high ratings, it changed the Japanese people's bad impression of fast food, thus gathering a lot of popularity for the development of fast food culture in Japan. A year later, McDonald's opened in Ginza, Tokyo, ushering in the fast food era in Japan.
The Osaka World Expo has also played an important role in promoting urban construction and economic development. During the Osaka World Expo, infrastructure construction such as hotels and roads gave Osaka a completely new look. Telephone communication networks and electronic technology also took this opportunity to enter the lives of Japanese people. The Osaka World Expo created numerous job opportunities. The employment-to-population ratios of Osaka City and Osaka Prefecture reached 64.14% and 63.45% respectively, an increase of 14 percentage points from 1965. After the Osaka World Expo, Japan's Kansai Economic Belt was formed. The economy of this region developed rapidly in the next 10 years, promoting Japan's overall economic growth.
After the Osaka World Expo, Japan also held the 1975 Okinawa, 1985 Tsukuba and 2005 Aichi World Expos. Starting from the Osaka World Expo, Japan's image as a world economic and technological power has been widely spread internationally.
The 2010 Shanghai World Expo - Opening a new chapter in the development of China and the world
Returning from history to reality, when the 2010 Shanghai World Expo is held, it coincides with the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China After the 30th anniversary of reform and opening up, a large developing country with a population of more than one billion is accelerating its development and stands tall in the east of the world.
The Shanghai World Expo will once again witness the "miracle" of China's rapid economic development. As foreign mainstream media previously said, "This huge international exhibition event will demonstrate China's status as a world industrial power and provide Shanghai with long-awaited opportunities."
More importantly, through the Shanghai World Expo, the world will better understand a real China and see a responsible big country. Over the past 30 years of reform and opening up, China has achieved world-renowned development achievements. From now on, China's development can only and must be peaceful, open, win-win, and responsible.
When the 2010 Shanghai World Expo was held, it also coincided with the "once-in-a-century" international financial crisis. Countries around the world were reflecting on the crisis, reshaping their development models, and seeking the key to sustainable recovery of the world economy. period.
After the international financial crisis, the international financial and economic system is undergoing major changes and adjustments. Developing countries, especially emerging economies, have significantly increased their "play" on the world economic stage. At the same time, environmental protection and resource issues have become increasingly prominent around the world, and green economy has attracted much attention.
Through the Shanghai World Expo, people will see the further changes in the international economic landscape from a macro perspective; they will also see from a micro perspective that transforming the mode of economic development and achieving sustainable growth will become a major issue for China, including China. All countries in the world have the same pursuit
Summary: Spain will actively participate in the Shanghai World Expo, which will have a huge demonstration and promotion role not only for China, but also for the entire world in improving the environment and improving people's living standards. And built a very spectacular and beautiful national pavilion with unique architectural style.
Not only for China, but also for the entire world, it will have a huge demonstration and promotion role in improving the environment and improving people's living standards
■Pavilions from various countries are being completed and ready. , constantly creating surprises for the public
It’s getting closer, getting closer! In about 10 days, the Shanghai World Expo will begin. At this moment, the world's attention is focused on Shanghai.
"Better City, Better Life" - the theme of the Shanghai World Expo has been generally recognized by the international community. Elizabeth Bagley, Special Representative for Global Partnerships of the U.S. Department of State, believes that this theme represents the international community’s expectations for a sustainable, healthy and prosperous world in the 21st century.
"By hosting the World Expo, I believe that Shanghai will develop better, the urban infrastructure will be better, and the citizens will have a better quality of life." Sara Ricci, Director of the Spanish National Exhibition Bureau Said recently in Madrid. He recently visited China and learned that there are more than 100 cities in China with a population of more than 5 million. In other words, there are more than 100 cities in China that are larger than Madrid. He said that the theme of the Shanghai World Expo pointed out the direction of urban development.
Regarding the significance of the Shanghai World Expo, Jose Villarreal, head of the American Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo, said, "No amount of assessment can be overestimated." The Shanghai World Expo will become a great event in the history of human social interaction and is destined to be unforgettable.
Jose comes from San Antonio, Texas, which hosted the 1968 World Expo. Therefore, he has a better understanding of the profound impact an World Expo will have on a city and a country. "Whether it is in terms of exhibition scale or global environment, the San Antonio World Expo is far from comparable to the Shanghai World Expo." He believes that the entire world is facing severe challenges of sustainable development, and the theme of the Shanghai World Expo appropriately demonstrates the international community's willingness to respond to challenges. . In this sense, the successful holding of the Shanghai World Expo will have a huge demonstration and promoting role not only for China, but also for the entire world in improving the environment and improving people's living standards.
The pavilions from various countries that have been completed and prepared for the Shanghai World Expo continue to surprise the public. At the same time, the international community speaks highly of the various preparations made for the Shanghai World Expo. Elizabeth said that the United States' participation in the Shanghai World Expo is proof of the stable development of bilateral relations between the United States and China, and thanked China for its great support for the United States' participation in the Shanghai World Expo.
The general representative of Denmark at the Shanghai World Expo, B?müschen, can speak very authentic Shanghainese. In his heart, Shanghai is his second hometown. His mother was born in Shanghai. He said that the Danish Pavilion fully reflected the many similarities between Danish and Chinese cultures from the very beginning of its design. “I hope that within the few months of the Shanghai World Expo, the essence of Danish culture will be spread to Chinese people in a way that Chinese people like. audience".
Spain actively participated in the Shanghai World Expo and built a very spectacular and beautiful national pavilion with unique architectural style. Sararic said that this is Spain's great contribution to the Shanghai World Expo and a manifestation of the friendship between Spain and China. At that time, the Spanish capital Madrid, the second largest city Barcelona and the important northern city Bilbao will participate in the exhibition as typical cases of cities creating a better life. "We will present a unique, diverse and creative Spain to all audiences."
Yog, the general manager of an Indian economic and trade consulting company, just returned from an inspection trip to Shanghai a few weeks ago. The economic and trade exchanges between China and India are getting closer and closer. He has been to Shanghai many times and deeply felt the rapid changes in Shanghai's urban development. This change not only includes the upgrading of the city's appearance and various construction projects in preparation for the Shanghai World Expo, but also demonstrates Shanghai's image as a mature international metropolis. He said that he would go to Shanghai again during the World Expo, "I believe that the Shanghai World Expo will once again bring the world and China closer.
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